New Delhi: Indian benchmark indices opened on a mixed but positive note on Thursday, August 13, 2026, as investors balanced strong global market cues with concerns over crude prices and geopolitical tensions.
The BSE Sensex opened at 78,111.91, gaining 145.56 points or 0.18% compared to its previous close of 77,966.35. Meanwhile, the Nifty 50 started almost flat, slipping 4.35 points to open at 24,431.60 against its previous close of 24,435.95.
Broader Market Shows Positive Trend
Despite a cautious start in frontline indices, broader markets traded in positive territory during early trade. The BSE Midcap Select Index gained 10.22 points, while the BSE Smallcap Select Index climbed 34.72 points or 0.38% to trade at 9,149.90.
Market breadth also remained positive on the NSE, with 1,416 stocks advancing, while 974 stocks declined. Around 136 stocks remained unchanged.
Bajaj Finance, Airtel among top gainers
From the Sensex pack, several major stocks witnessed buying interest. Bajaj Finance led the gainers, rising around 1.83% in early trading. Other stocks including IndiGo, Tech Mahindra, Bharti Airtel and Eternal also traded higher.
On the other hand, Mahindra & Mahindra (M&M), Kotak Bank, Maruti, Titan and Power Grid were among the laggards. M&M declined more than 1.29% during early trade.
Global Markets Support Indian Equities
Asian markets opened higher on Thursday following a strong rally on Wall Street. Investors reacted positively after US inflation data came largely in line with expectations, reducing concerns about immediate Federal Reserve rate hikes.
Japan's Nikkei 225 gained over 1.75%, while Hong Kong's Hang Seng, South Korea's Kospi and China's Shanghai Composite also traded higher.
Gift Nifty Signals Cautious Start
Before market opening, Gift Nifty indicated a flat to slightly negative start for Indian equities. Gift Nifty opened at 24,420.50, down nearly 50 points from its previous close of 24,471.
Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIs) remained sellers, offloading equities worth ₹1,002.50 crore on August 11. However, Domestic Institutional Investors (DIIs) supported the market by purchasing equities worth ₹5,841.66 crore.
Disclaimer: This article is for information only and not investment advice. Markets involve risks; Consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.